Baofeng BF-5RH PRO vs Retevis RT85
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng BF-5RH PRO is the clear winner for most users. While the RT85 undercuts it by $20, you're sacrificing too much capability for minimal savings.
The single most important differentiator is power and features. The BF-5RH PRO delivers double the transmit power at 10W versus 5W, plus it includes GPS and APRS support—critical for emergency communication and location tracking. The RT85 offers none of these. Both support CHIRP programming, so that's a wash.
The BF-5RH PRO suits operators who want a versatile handheld with real-world power, GPS capability, and modern digital modes for location sharing. The RT85 makes sense only for absolute budget-conscious beginners who plan minimal field use and can tolerate its 5W output limitation.
For the money, the $70 Baofeng is a substantially better investment. The extra features justify the price premium, and 10W power makes a tangible difference in range and reliability. Unless your budget is genuinely capped at $50, skip the RT85 and go with the BF-5RH PRO. You'll appreciate the extra capability every time you use it.
Reasons to choose Baofeng BF-5RH PRO
- 100% more TX power (10W vs 5W)
- 3x more memory channels (640 vs 200)
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- Has Bluetooth
- Has color TFT display
- IP54 water resistance
Reasons to choose Retevis RT85
- 57% cheaper ($29.99 vs $69.99)
$69.99 on Amazon
★ 4.6 (286 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng BF-5RH PRO | Retevis RT85 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $29.99 |
| Overall Score | 86 | 65 |
| TX Power (High) | 10.00W | 5.00W |
| Memory Channels | 640 | 200 |
| Weight | — | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | — |
| Display | 1.77in TFT Color | LCD |
| IP Rating | IP54 | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Authorized |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Voltage | 7.4 Volts | 7.4 Volts (DC) |
| Frequency Range | HAM | Analog |
| Special Feature | Battery Saver Mode, GPS/APRS, Emergency Alarm,1.77 TFT in Color Screen, 640 Channels in 10 Zone, AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF, Multi-band,FM,Suitable for Survival Gear, One Key Frquency Copy, Weather Alert | LCD display, dual band and dual display |
| Included Components | 1× CH340 Programming Cable, 2X Earpiece with mic ,2x Belt clip,2 x Hand strap, 2×18.89 inch Tactical Antennas,2×805S Antennas, 2×Original antenna,2× AirBand antenna, 2×BF-5RH Pro Ham Radio Handheld,2×2500mAh USB-C Battery, 2×USB-C charger with cable, 1 x Hand Strap 1 x User's Manual | 2 x Retevis RT85 two-way radio, 2 x battery, 2 x antenna, 2 x charger, 2 x user manual, 2 x sling |
| Model Number | 5RH Pro | FA9195AX2 |
| Built-In Media | 1× CH340 Programming Cable, 2X Earpiece with mic ,2x Belt clip,2 x Hand strap, 2×18.89 inch Tactical Antennas,2×805S Antennas, 2×Original antenna,2× AirBand antenna, 2×BF-5RH Pro Ham Radio Handheld,2×2500mAh USB-C Battery, 2×USB-C charger with cable, 1 x Hand Strap 1 x User's Manual | 2 x Retevis RT85 two-way radio, 2 x battery, 2 x antenna, 2 x charger, 2 x user manual, 2 x sling |
| Mfr Part Number | 5RH Pro | FA9195AX2 |
| Compatible Devices | UV5RH Radio | Radio |
| Additional Features | Battery Saver Mode, GPS/APRS, Emergency Alarm,1.77 TFT in Color Screen, 640 Channels in 10 Zone, AM/FM/VHF/1.25M/UHF, Multi-band,FM,Suitable for Survival Gear, One Key Frquency Copy, Weather Alert | LCD display, dual band and dual display |
| Battery Average Life | 72 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Warranty Description | 30-Day | We provide 2 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return;2 year warranty for radio body and 1 year warranty for accessories. Beyond the warranty period: We still offer maintain service, buyers are required to afford corresponding costs. We processed in the most hassle-free way possible.You just need to contact with us on Amazon ,we will reply you within 12 hours |
| Connectivity Protocol | GPS | Analog FM |